College Safety Tips You Should know!

Going off to college can be a fun and exciting time for many young adults.  However, this is not the time to throw common sense, and caution to the wind. There are still a few people on and off campus who are up to no good.  We have compiled this list of safety tips for you and your offspring to know!

Campus safety tips: While walking around on campus

• Pay Attention to your surroundings!
• Many Colleges have alarms and phones stationed around campus -learn where they are in case of trouble or you don’t feel safe.
•  Survey the campus after dark to see that buildings, walkways, quadrangles and parking lots are adequately secured, lighted and patrolled.
• Avoid walking alone if possible – consider using your campus escort service. Get the contact information and save it on your phone.
• Make it a habit to check in with family and friends.
• Walk with an air of confidence and stay alert.
• Walk in well-lighted areas.
• Keep your hand free, not overloaded. (is stay off your phone)
• Avoid Texting and walking, and use a blue-tooth when on your cell phone
• ALWAYS carry your keys ready, we recommend having a key ring self-defense product. Have it in hand, ready to go if in questionable areas.
• If you are being followed: cross the street, scream, run to an occupied residence or store, or flag down a car.
• If your college offers a RAD program…take it every semester.
• If you see something, say something- Report suspicious activities or individuals

At dorm rooms or apartment

• Doors and windows to your residence hall should be equipped with quality locks.
• Room doors should have peepholes in the door and deadbolts locks.
• Keep blinds and curtains closed while changing clothes
• Do not loan out your keys (it doesn’t take long to make duplicates).
• If you lose your apt/room key replace locks immediately.
• Never compromise your safety for a roommate or friend who wants the door left unlocked.
• Keep valuable personal items and documents locked away
• Replace locks when a key is lost or stolen.
• Use caution to admit strangers to your room, even if it is your date!.
• Have good lighting around entrances.
• Be sure all doors and windows are locked when leaving room or apartment
• If you are a woman and live alone or with other women, use only your first initials
• on your mailbox and, when possible, in phone directories.
• Report suspicious activity to campus police—or to the police if you live off campus.
• consider purchasing a room door alarm

While in your car

• Keep windows up and doors locked.
• Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you should be back
• Park in well-lighted areas and travel on populated, well-lighted streets.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• If you have car trouble, a signal for help by raising the hood or tying a white handkerchief to the door handle.
• It is wise to have a car Emergency kit

Social Media –

• Don’t accept people you really don’t know as friends
• Set all your settings to private.
• enable multi-factor authentication

Parties or other Social Events

• Alcohol & Drugs: Be STRONG. Don’t cave to temptation and peer pressure. Know your limits when drinking.
• Do not accept drinks from someone you don’t know. It could have date rape drugs in it. Keep drinks in your hands at all times. NEVER mix drugs and alcohol.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• When dating be sure someone you know and trust knows where you’re going and what time you plan on being home. Have a 911 code you can quickly text your trusted friend. Share your location with that trusted friend.

Traveling Off Campus

• Travel with a buddy/ groups.
• Be very familiar with the good and bad parts of the surrounding area.
• If approached by a stranger asking for time or directions: keep your distance and stride. Don’t be distracted. Be aware. Trust your instincts. Avoidance is always a safe bet.
• Have your Pepper Spray handy
•  Attackers look for those who appear to present the least amount of resistance.
• Avoid headphones. Stay off the texting, games and social media while walking and or jogging.
• Avoid late night ATM’s and shopping.
• Travel and park in familiar, populated and well-lit areas.
• If attacked. Yell. Scream. Run. Remember STRIKE the target primary target areas: eyes, nose, groin. Strikes: Palm, fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees, kicks.

Defense Against Crime provides you with the best information to meet the security needs of you, your family members or your business, by assisting anyone who is unwilling to become a victim of crime.  If you want to take personal responsibility for protection, home security, business security, purchase high-quality self-defense products kits and arm yourself with the knowledge about self-defense and security products and information of the best way to stay secure in an ever-increasing violent world. In today’s society, being equipped mentally and physically is no longer an option. –
Victor Swindell, Onyx Knight Enterprises